Bomba Dauda
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have rejected an alleged move to substitute the winner of the party’s House of Representatives primary election for the Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency.
Speaking at a press conference in Zonkwa on Saturday, the PDP Chairman in Zangon Kataf LGA, Mr. Martins Koya, said the position was unanimously adopted by ward executives from the 11 wards in the local government area, alongside key stakeholders from each ward.
Koya insisted that the outcome of the May 17, 2026 primary election must be respected, noting that Gideon Jock emerged winner of the contest, while Mathew Gwaza and Rijo Shekari came second and third respectively.
According to him, any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary election would undermine the democratic process and disregard the wishes of delegates who freely exercised their voting rights.
He said the resolution by ward executives and stakeholders reflected the collective position of the PDP structure in Zangon Kataf and was aimed at protecting the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Also speaking, PDP State Officer, Mr. Micah Audu, said the stance taken by stakeholders was not driven by personal opposition to Rijo Shekari.
Audu described Shekari as a respected member of the party with every right to seek elective office but argued that replacing the candidate who won the primary election would amount to disenfranchising delegates and disregarding the mandate they freely gave through their votes.
“The issue is not about personalities but about protecting the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that the will of party members, as expressed during the primary election, is respected,” he said.
The stakeholders called on the state and national leadership of the PDP to uphold the outcome of the primary election and recognize the candidate who secured the highest votes as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 general election.
They also urged party members across the constituency to remain calm and united while awaiting the final resolution of the matter by the appropriate organs of the party.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the PDP, the stakeholders pledged continued support for efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections, stressing that adherence to due process is essential for maintaining the confidence of party members and supporters.
